Douglas Skyraider Model Progression

This set of Skyraider photographs was given to SpadGuy in 1973
by the Douglas Aircraft Public Relations Library
Douglas Aircraft Company, Inc.
Santa Monica, CA

Douglas Skyraider History

The aircraft that was ultimately to become the A-1 Skyraider
was first produced by Douglas Aircraft Company in 1944. This aircraft, the
BT2D-1 was conceived by Douglas Aircraft master designer Edward
Heinemann. The Skyraider name and redesignation as the AD-1 occurred
in 1946. The Skyraider production run of 3,180 culminated with the last
AD-7 (A-1J) rolling off the Douglas assembly line in February, 1957. In
between, came no fewer than 17 different variants which were optimized for
a wide variety of roles such as day and night attack, airborne early warning,
electronic countermeasures, anti-submarine patrol, VIP transport, target
tow, air ambulance, and photo reconnaissance. Those interested in a more
detailed Skyraider history should consult one of several reference books
on the Douglas Skyraider. Also, you can get additional history on the Douglas
Skyraider at The-Hangar.

The AD designation for the Skyraider was changed in 1962
to A-1. The AD-5 became the A-1E, the AD-5N became A-1G, the AD-6 became
the A-1H, and the AD-7 became the A-1J. These four models of the A-1 (E/G/H/J)
were the ones I flew during my one year combat tour from October 1971 to
October 1972. In December of 1972, all remaining A-1s were handed over to
the VNAF and the 1st SOS ceased combat operations in SEA.